In 1901 a group of women in Southampton, New York, wishing to share the benefits of sun and ocean air with city-bound, physically challenged children, established a very special summer camp. They rented a small building to accommodate 10 children, and began the search for a more suitable site.  The next year a generous donor gave the property at 36 Barkers Island Road to the Fresh Air Home, and the dream of its founders was a reality.

Over the past century the Fresh Air Home has served thousands of campers. The number of campers each summer grew from 10 to 60 in the 1970s.  When dormitories were built in the 1980s, the Home was able to take 150 campers each summer.  Adapted sports programs and indoor activities bring the traditional American camping experience to the physically challenged children who visit the Southampton Fresh Air Home. 

In 2003 a new activities building, with its lovely Maren and Werner Otto Arts Studio, and the Mulholland Computer Lab, was opened.  Now campers play, create, learn and experience the joys of the arts and computer technology in state-of-the-art facilities designed with their needs in mind. 

The Fresh Air Home continues its tradition of offering financial aid to families who require it.  Our donors and contributors make it possible that no child who can benefit from our programs is turned away for financial reasons.